I'm thinking of trading in my V6 SUV and getting myself a pick up. I'm looking for a mega cab so that the wife and kids can sit in comfortably.


Here is my problem. Besides being a daily driver, I will need this truck to tow my trailer around for my part-time job as a DJ. I sometimes haul approx. 2000lbs-3000lbs of stuff around locally and I don't even dare try towing with my suv through the mountain highways for out of town gigs.


I recently bought some more equipment and I'm thinking my load (for a full tilt everything-I-got party) should go up approx. another 3000lbs. I will likely never haul anything more than 10,000lbs.


So my question is, diesel or gas? I was looking at dodge diesels (2500-3500s) as they have the most favorable reviews but they seem to also be the most pricey. The Ford diesels can be had a little cheaper. I'm probably looking at anything between a 2007 to 2010.


If I wanted to save even more money, I could get a gas truck as I am sure a 5.7L gas truck would be able to handle up to 10,000lbs even on mountainous highways.


I know fuel consumption of a gas will likely be higher than a diesel truck using a tuner. I know nothing about diesels. Is paying the extra worth it? Apart from being able to tow more, would the savings in mpg offset the initial cost? Should I consider a Ford diesel ( hope this doesn't start a brand war)?

 

I've heard many reports that the cummins can achieve close to 30mpg imperial gallon which is amazing.
I've just sold my 05 hemi 1500 p/u. Best gas engine out there imo. I towed a loaded 16 foot enclosed trailer across the country and had no problem with the hills of northern Ontario. 10mpg was the worst mileage I recorded, but this was in the mountains pulling approx. 6000lbs.


diesel's are more efficient but you don't want one when it come time to replace injectors...close to 10 grand on some models after diag and install.


get more truck than what you need. the mpg isn't much better with a small engine...as I am finding out

 

Coming from a Diesel truck owner... I've owned a lot of trucks from the compact truck to a Mack big rig.
I have to say my Duramax 2500HD has been the best truck I have ever owned. It has handled every task I've thrown at it. And has been a reliable and affordable daily driver.
No regrets for the bast 3 years with my 07 Silverado DMax

 

sunnyj. If you have any mechanic friends; have them check out the diesel injector balance flow rates. This will give you a state of health of the injectors.

 

OK, thanks guys. That is something I didn't know. i will definitely get any potential diesel truck purchase inspected for sure. Don't want to be throwing down another $10,000 after the fact.